NWU Student Stabbed to Death in Rustenburg Flat; Boyfriend Charged with Murder
The North-West University (NWU) community is in mourning following the brutal killing of 21-year-old Onalenna Selebogo, a third-year Education student at the Mahikeng Campus.
She was found dead on 3 August 2025 in a flat in central Rustenburg, her body wrapped in bed sheets and bearing multiple stab wounds to the neck.
Also Read: Huhudi Grade 10 Student Dies After Being Forced to Run as Punishment
Suspect Hands Himself Over
Police have confirmed that the suspect, identified as her boyfriend, Walter Tshehlo, fled the scene before later surrendering to authorities.
He has been charged with murder and made his first court appearance on Thursday, 7 August 2025. Tshehlo remains in custody and is expected to appear again for his bail hearing on Monday, 18 August 2025.
University Condemns Gender-Based Violence
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent action against gender-based violence in South Africa. NWU Mahikeng Campus spokesperson Oscar Mosiane said,
“The NWU condemns all forms of gender-based violence and femicide in the strongest terms. We continue our fight against GBV, a national disaster that should continue to be addressed urgently and collectively by all sectors of society.”
The university described Selebogo as a “beautiful soul” with a passion for education and a bright future ahead. NWU has extended its condolences to her family, friends, classmates, and lecturers.
Social Media Reacts
@XekiHlongwane;
Gents we can do better (let’s protect our queens, let’s not hurt them) 🤯
@AnzaTino;
😔 the rate at which men are killing women? It’s sickening. Bring back the death penalty expeditiously!
@_Thembalihle;
I hope they will lock him up and throw away the key!
@Gumm_Zoro;
This is heartbreaking 💔 we really need to do better as men 😔
@EmmiieTLO;
Yhoo 💔💔😭😭this is heartbreaking 💔 😢
@asithandaze;
Sad. Bring back the death penalty for violent crimes. 😭